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CIRCLE of Friends

Established in 2022, CIRCLE of Friends (CoF) is a space for international students, as well as students interested in different cultures, to hangout, make friends, share, learn, and get support. Every Tuesday and Friday from 6:00-8:00 p.m., you can join CoF teams for all kinds of fun activities, helpful presentations, meaningful discussions, free snacks, and much more!


Chat 1:1 with Dan, Executive Director of CIRCLE

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CoF Program Goals:

  • Provide a welcoming space where international students can hang out, make friends and find a community where they belong.  (Connection & Community)
  • Create a safe space where international students can share their stories, voice their concerns, and support one another (Safe space)
  • Connect international students with campus resources to support their academic and professional growth. (Resources and support)
  • Create fun activities to enhance cultural understanding, as well as social aspects of being a college student in the U.S. (Social life)
  • Build a casual environment for students to reach their full potential. (Leadership)

Meet the CoF Team

CoF Leadership


Dan Zhu (朱老師) (she/her) | Executive Director, CoF Program Founder

From: Jiangxi & Beijing, China
Languages Spoken: Mandarin Chinese, Hakka and English
Major: I did my undergraduate in BNU (北师大) and finished my PhD in English composition at UW a while ago.
Fun fact: I have two lovely mixed boys: Miles and Sebastian.


Marion Ferguson (she/her) | Assistant Director for Undergraduate Programs, CoF Program Manager

From: Ithaca, New York
Languages Spoken: English
About me: I was an international student at the University of Edinburgh. I love to paint and explore the beautiful PNW with my dog!


Sangey Rinchen (he/him) | CIRCLE Student Events Manager, CoF Program Leader

From: Bhutan
Languages spoken: English, Dzongkha, a little German
Major: Statistics
About me: I enjoy long hikes, writing stories, and spending time with my family!

 


Meet the CoF Team

 

Meichen Liu (she/her) | CIRCLE of Friends Peer Advisor (PA)

Languages spoken: English, Mandarin
Major: Accounting and Information Systems (intended)
About me: I love spending rainy afternoons playing random pieces on my cello or inviting friends over for potlucks!


Leo Fan (he/him) | CIRCLE of Friends Peer Advisor (PA)

Languages spoken: Mandarin, English
Major: Informatics
About me: I climbed Mt. Baker last spring.


 

Shresth Goyal (he/him) | CIRCLE of Friends Peer Advisor (PA)

Languages spoken: English, Hindi
Major: Informatics in Data Science (intended)
About me: I love watching F1, and love going to Dough Zone for their noodles.


CIRCLE of Friends Autumn Quarter Events Overview

 Date  Event Name  Time  Location
 9/30 (Tue)  CIRCLE Bowling Night  5:30-7:30 p.m.  HUB Games
 10/3 (Fri)  Mochi donuts, ice cream, and building friendships  6:00-8:00 p.m.  Schmitz Hall 250
 10/7 (Tue)  Language & Cultural Trivia Night with boba  6:00-8:00 p.m.  Schmitz Hall 250
 10/10 (Fri)  CIRCLE Tailgate Party  3:00-5:00 p.m.  WAC Great Room
 10/14 (Tue)  Pool and Table Tennis Night  6:00-8:00 p.m.  HUB Games
 10/17 (Fri)  10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.  Schmitz Hall 250
 10/20 (Mon)  Diwali Celebration  4:00-7:00 pm.m  Intellectual House
 10/21 (Tues)  Diya Painting  6:00-8:00 p.m.  HUB 141
 10/25 (Sat)
 Night Corn Maze
 4:00-10:00 p.m.  Meet at Schmitz Hall
 10/28 (Tue)  TBD!  6:00-8:00 p.m.  TBD
 10/31 (Fri)  CIRCLE Halloween Party  5:30-8:00 p.m.  Schmitz Hall 250
 11/4 (Tue)
 TBD!
 6:00-8:00 p.m.  TBD
 11/7 (Fri)  Winter Course Registration and Major Application Session  6:00-8:00 p.m.  Schmitz Hall 250
 11/11 (Tue)  Veteran’s Day **FEDERAL HOLIDAY**  —  —
 11/14 (Fri)  TBD!  6:00-8:00 p.m.  TBD
 11/18 (Tue)  Finding on-campus job opportunities  TBD  TBD
 11/21 (Fri)
 Table for Four
 6:00-8:00 p.m.  TBD
 11/26 (Weds)  4:30-8:30 p.m.  Oak Hall, Denny Room
 12/5 (Fri)  FIFA Group Draw watch party and Breakfast  TBD  Schmitz Hall 250

 

 

The CIRCLE of Friends is proudly funded by the Services and Activities Fee (SAF), a student-levied fund designed to enhance the out-of-class experience for students at the University of Washington. SAF supports a wide range of programs and services that promote students’ cultural, emotional, intellectual, physical, and social well-being. Through this funding, we’re able to offer ongoing support and create a space where all students can thrive and feel at home.